Staff At Dorset County Hospital In 4 Hour Strike

Staff went on strike this morning at Dorset County Hospital for 4 hours over a national pay row with the government.

It's in protest at the Government's decision not to award a 1% pay rise.

The Royal College of Midwives took part for the first time in its 133-year history.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said many employees get 3% as part of progression deals, so he just can't afford another per cent on top of that.

He's also said that giving NHS staff a recommended pay rise would mean having to lay off 14,000 nurses over the next 2 years.

Midwife Tara Putt was on the picket line and told Wessex FM "Actually 1% isn't even in line with inflation. Midwives haven't had a pay rise in four years now. We feel undervalued, we're often under staffed and don't get our breaks."